Snakebites
from native species are a rarity in both South Carolina and Georgia. However,
a few bites still occur every year. The proper response to a venomous
snakebite involves both what to do and what not to do. Before snakebite
treatment is necessary, the snake must be venomous. You can become familiar
with the snakes of the region by studying the pictures and descriptions
in this brochure. If you can be sure that a non-venomous (harmless) snake
did the biting, you have little to worry about. Washing the scratched
area with soap and water is usually sufficient. However, a venomous snakebite
can be very serious. The following is a list of what to do and not to
do if bitten by a venomous snake:

The
DONT's

Do
not eat or drink anything, including alcoholic beverages or medicine.

Try
to identify the offending snake if you can do so easily without putting
yourself at risk or wasting valuable time.

Get
to the nearest hospital or emergency medical facility immediately.

The
universally accepted treatment for serious snakebite is the use of antivenin
or snakebite serum, which should only be administered by a medical doctor.
If local doctors are unsure of the correct antivenin to use, advise them
to contact the American Association of Poison
Control Centers (1-800-222-1222).

Canebrake
rattlesnake

Medical doctors
who have experience with bites of venomous snakes of the United States
do not completely agree on the details of first-aid treatment for snakebites.
However, most doctors believe that the DOs and DON’Ts listed here
have the highest probability of success in most situations involving venomous
snakebites.

The
best advice is to learn all of the snakes found in your region and avoid
the venomous ones. If you are bitten by a venomous snake, remember to
stay calm and get to the nearest hospital quickly.

Field
herpetologists consider car keys (and a car) to be the best snakebite
kit.